Photography and the Microscope

 Hi folks :  I always smile when people challenge me on photography through the operating scope.  I can tell you that Carlos Murgel, Gary Carr, Chris Schaefer ( from Zeiss) and a few others have taught me a few tips over the years.  I have spent thousands of dollars and countless hours analyzing my photos and trying to improve them.  So when people assume that I havent tried things I smile.
Let me tell you that over the years I have had

1. Strobe flash with slides on a Contax SLR ( not digital) on the scope.
2. One chip analog video camera ( capture card)
3. Video captured from one chip to VCR
4. 3 chip digital Camcorder from Sony
5. 3 chip analog medical grade cube camera ( Sony and Panasonic)
6. 3 chip digital Sony cube camera
7. Sony HDR SR12 and Sony HDR HC7 high def video cam corders

Digital photography

1. Nikon 995
2. Nikon 5000 point and shoot cameras
3. Nikon D1
4. Nikon D2X
5. Nikon D300
6. Nikon D90 ( with 720 p video)
7. Canon T2i (with 1080 p video)

All of these I have had in addition to ring flashes including SB29 from Nikon, Sigma and Canon ring flashes and the R1 dual flash on the scope.
So I have spent oodles of time on these systems folks.  I OWN all of the above, all of them.
So let me tell you that when you want to try and cut corners - you can - but there will be a price and only you can determine that.
If you want decent photos and you are fairly good with cameras get a point and shoot camera but there is a price to pay.
If you want video and primarily use documentation for endo, and want something simple get a High def video camera ( try Sony or Panasonic)
If you want photography with an SLR, and want it to work in all situation and want restorative shots then get a DSLR ( I would suggest Canon T2i) but you may need a flash.
The flash will help you standardize your settings, it will also help you get more depth of field.
I mean honestly, the images taken with point and shoot cameras without a flash intraorally just for regular dentistry are not great so why when the scope robs light would you expect the to be better.
I know its costly, I know that its not easy.......that is true.  No one has to document but if  you want good photos through the scope like Carlos shows, like Jorg, Javier, and others show like Leandro....there is a price to pay both financially and in time.

Glenn van As